The annual Polar Plunge will take place at the Shawnee Mission Park Beach on Feb. 28. The Shawnee Mission School District currently has 11 members that will jump into the lake on Saturday to fundraise for Special Olympics Kansas.
Special Olympics Kansas creates an accessible environment where students can participate in activities without many barriers. These programs are designed to adapt and serve every level of ability. Adaptations include having low motor development events in track and field and different floatation and assisted swim competitions. This allows for students in SMSD’s special education program to have more space to participate in activities.
“[The fundraiser] brings awareness of additional opportunities that are available for students with disabilities,” Assistant Superintendent of Special Education Sherry Dumolien said. “This highlights these additional opportunities that were above and beyond what we provide as a school district.”
The event begins at 9 a.m where participators show up and register and join SMSD’s team, Freezin’ For a Reason. Following this some of the members of SMSD’s team will participate in the Polar Strut 5K at 10 a.m. After the opening ceremony and the costume contest, the teams will plunge into the lake at 11:30 a.m.
This year's “Freezin' For a Reason: Because Kids" team has members, like Superintendent Michael Schumacher and Assistant Superintendent of Special Education Sherry Dumolien. According to Dumolien, the team is not set in stone and is open to new members and donations. One can become a part of the team by registering Saturday morning and can donate leading up to the event.
As of Feb. 26 the Polar Plunge has raised $72,378 for the Special Olympics out of their $80,000 goal. The Freezin’ For a Reason team has raised $100 from individual donations out of their $1,000 team fundraising goal.
Last year SMSD won the award for most participants on a team. According to Dumolien, when more participants show up it gives her more hope for the community's commitment to making sure everyone is included.
“We do a very nice job within our school district to make sure belonging is important,” Dumolien said. “[The fundraiser] directly impacts individuals with disabilities and without disabilities, and creates those inclusive opportunities.”
According to Dumolien, the SMSD Special Education Department is committed to continue figuring out how to add adaptations in activities that have previously been thought of as inaccessible
“I think the more that we can [support] ways that individuals can access and can participate, as opposed to automatically thinking about the barriers,” Dumolien said.
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